Indonesia’s First All-Electric Crane: PT BBS Brings Liebherr’s CBG 500 E to Life

Indonesia’s First All-Electric Crane: PT BBS Brings Liebherr’s CBG 500 E to Life

Batam, Indonesia – In a groundbreaking development for Southeast Asia’s maritime sector, PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard (PT BBS) has partnered with Liebherr to introduce Indonesia’s first all-electric CBG 500 E crane. Scheduled for delivery in October 2025, this state-of-the-art equipment will redefine bulk cargo handling in the region—setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement.


Sustainable Innovation on the Water

The CBG 500 E crane will be installed on a purpose-built barge named Leo Trans 10, designed and constructed by PT BBS at its shipyard in Batam. The crane will be operated by PT Bahtera Alam Sejahtera (PT BAS)—a sister company focused on bulk cargo logistics, particularly coal transshipment.

With a maximum outreach of 43 meters and a 65-tonne safe working load (SWL) for grab operations, the CBG 500 E is engineered to meet high-volume demands. It also integrates Liebherr’s Licatronic energy recovery system and supercapacitors, significantly reducing fuel usage and emissions compared to diesel-powered alternatives.


“The CBG 500 E represents a powerful addition to our fleet, significantly increasing our handling capacity in the bulk sector,” said Selamet Widodo, President of both PT BAS and PT BBS. “Its all-electric drive system aligns with our environmental goals while ensuring world-class performance.”


From Shipyard to Sea: A Vertically Integrated Vision

This milestone project highlights a vertically integrated approach:

  • PT BBS oversees barge construction and crane procurement
  • PT BAS will manage day-to-day operations for coal transshipment
  • Liebherr supplies and supports advanced crane technologies

The investment was formalized at Bauma 2025, the global construction and machinery trade fair held in Munich, Germany.


“This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable maritime solutions,” said Jonathan Weu, Sales Manager Ship Cranes, Liebherr. “The CBG 500 E’s deployment in Indonesia will demonstrate the viability of environmentally friendly transshipment equipment on a large scale.”


PT BBS: A Shipyard of Firsts

Established in 2005, PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard operates a 52-hectare facility specializing in tugboats, landing crafts, and barges. The inclusion of the CBG 500 E elevates its shipbuilding legacy with a commitment to green maritime technologies.


PT BAS: Building on Experience

PT BAS, headquartered in Kota Tanjung Pinang, has long partnered with Liebherr, operating multiple CBG 350 and CBG 360 cranes. The addition of the CBG 500 E will significantly boost its handling efficiency, aligning with global best practices in clean energy logistics.


A Regional Benchmark in Clean Cargo Handling

This project not only positions Indonesia as a forward-thinking player in the bulk logistics sector, but also underscores the potential of collaborative, sustainable innovation. As the crane enters operation in late 2025, it is expected to serve as a blueprint for future all-electric transshipment systems in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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